As part our series of blogs on the beautiful Forest of Bowland, we catch up with Helen Shaw who shared with us some of her beautiful photographs of the area that she loves and that she calls home.
Helen has been a full time professional freelance photographer for over 14 years. She was born on the slopes of Pendle Hill and is inspired by the landscapes of Northern England. After living in the South of England for a number of years she returned home and now lives in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, in Slaidburn with her husband Bob. She is also a writer, having published a number of novels.
Slaidburn, a great place to call home
Enjoy her lovely photos and get in touch if you would like to know more about Helen’s photography.
From top: Trough of Bowland; Cross of Greet Road; Haymeadows
In 2015 her book of landscape photographs entitled The Forest of Bowland was published by Merlin Unwin Books.
“What I love most about the Forest of Bowland is its quiet peace and beauty. It is a secret, unfrequented place where you can find wild moorland, stunning views, clean and beautiful rivers and pretty, unspoilt villages. You can often walk for a whole day over the moors and fells and not see another person”.
Gisburn
Pendle from Merrybent Hill
From top: Cold Stone and Catlow; Hodder Show
Salter Track
Abbeystead
Helen’s second book of landscape photography came about as a result of the walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats which Helen and her husband completed in 2014. Land’s End to John O’Groats – Walking the Length of Britain in 7 Stages
In 2006 one of her landscape images of the Hodder Valley in the Forest of Bowland was chosen by Her Majesty the Queen as an 80th birthday present.
One of the Queen’s 80th birthday presents – photograph of Hodder Valley
Explore Beautiful Views from Lancaster House
We are sure you will agree that Helen’s photography is enough to have you packing your rucksack and looking out your walking boots. Lancaster House is the perfect place to set off from in the morning, and return to a toasty fire and a tasty meal.
